Rethink Fragility

“OBB” is a Nigerian public health professional and advocate who works with the LGBT population, drug users, sex workers, and the HIV-positive. Over the last 10 years he has been managing a large program for these key population groups, for Heartland Alliance International. The work can only be described as a calling, in an often very difficult context. The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2013 was a step in the wrong direction, and alongside this there is a great deal of pushback from cultural and religious institutions. Show notes: [02:05] Working to address stigma and discrimination for the LGBTQ population in Nigeria, including access to health and social care. [12:15] Working with often-unsympathetic government stakeholders. Facilitating cultural change alongside engaging with technical challenges. [19:45] First steps for starting up programmes in new contexts and new communities. Variations between different parts of Nigeria. [25:15] OBB’s own story, and how he came to be an advocate for peopl